Lizards end season with a victory

Steve Mock #6 of the Lizards celebrates a first quarter goal against the Ohio Machine with teammate Rob Pannell #3 during their Major League Lacrosse game at Shuart Stadium. (Aug. 10, 2013) Photo Credit: Getty

Perhaps it was the yellow and white balls used during the game, as opposed to the orange ones Major League Lacrosse customarily uses, which led to the Lizards snapping a six-game losing streak.

But the 14-11 win over the Ohio Machine (2-12) to end the season Saturday at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium probably had more to do with Steve Mock's four goals, Rob Pannell's three goals and three assists, and Jo-Jo Morasco's hat trick.

Despite ending the season with a win, the Lizards (4-10) failed to make the playoffs and finished seventh in the league of eight teams. The team was plagued by season-long struggles on offense and defense in 2013, most notably an inability for offensive players to mesh with one another. The Lizards ended the season with a few players landing on the injured-reserve list, which also contributed to the poor play. Perennial all-star midfielder Max Seibald missed the majority of the season because of hamstring and foot injuries.

Coach Joe Spallina said earlier in the week that the last few games of the season hopefully could end up providing him with some clarity as far as next year's depth chart is concerned. Mock, Morasco, midfielder David Earl and all-star Pannell have all played exceptionally well down the stretch despite the losses, Spallina said.

After receiving some complaints that the orange ball was not visible on television, the MLL decided earlier this month to try yellow and white balls in a game that wouldn't have any effect on the playoffs, a league spokesperson said.

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